Upset on cards, Richards puts his money on Sri Lanka

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 27 (UNI) West Indian batting legend Vivian Richards today predicted that an upset would be due when Sri Lanka take on overwhelming favourites Australia in the final of the World Cup at Kensington Oval here tomorrow.

''I think this final will see a new winner,'' Sir Viv told media persons after he had announced his Dream Team from the ongoing 2007 World Cup.

''Australia have been so formidable, winning all matches, but I feel an upset is due in the final of the tournament.

''Yes to beat Australia you will have to play better then them and I think this Lanka team has that potential,'' he said.

The original master blaster felt South Africa too could have caused an upset but for the fact that they batted in too pre-meditated a manner. However, he expected a better show from the Lankans.

''If you want to win against Australia then you have to play on equal or better term with them. They are very professional and I feel here is a team (Sri Lanka) which can match them.

''Ricky Ponting is one of the best captains of the modern cricket era and he handles his team well, but Mehela Jayawardane has led his side brilliantly in this World Cup so far.

He was of the view that if the Sri Lankans play their own style of cricket and keep their nerves, they can be too hot for the Australians to handle.

Jayawardene's team looks very focused, they have good batting side while they have one of the best bowling attacks, he said.

UNI